The Society hosted its 15th Annual Rhythm and Soul
Music Awards on June 17th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
in Beverly Hills, CA.

Awards were presented to the songwriters and publishers
of the top ASCAP songs of the 2001 R&B/Hip-Hop,
Rap, Dance and Reggae charts. Murder Inc. recording
artist Ashanti and hitmaker/producer DJ Quik served
as hosts for the Awards show and celebration.

Songwriter of the
Year Dr. Dre.

ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman commented
on the presentation of the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Heritage
Award to Earth,
Wind & Fire: "The women and men we recognize
are musical trend-setters. On this occasion, with so
many creative people gathered together, it is fitting
that we pay special tribute to the groundbreaking and
legendary group, Earth, Wind & Fire. Their music
is memorable, joyous and endlessly inventive. They have
created a lasting body of work that transcends category
and will continue to enrich generations to come." Previous
recipients of the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award
have been Chaka Khan and Peabo Bryson.

The Songwriter of the Year Award went to Dr. Dre and
Chad Hugo. Each had three award-winning songs. Dr. Dre's
winning titles were: "Family Affair," "Let Me Blow Ya
Mind" and "What Would You Do?" Chad Hugo's winning titles
were: "Cross the Border," Danger (Been So Long)" and
"I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)." Publisher of the
Year honors went to EMI Music Publishing/EMI Jobete
Music Publishing, with 23 award-winning songs. "Independent
Women Part I" written by Samuel "Tone" Barnes and Beyoncé
Knowles from the movie Charlie's Angels was
honored with the Top Soundtrack Song of the Year.

EMI WINS ITS NINTH ASCAP RHYTHM AND
SOUL PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

EMI Music Publishing received the ASCAP Rhythm and
Soul Publisher of the Year Award this year, marking
the ninth consecutive year it has won. EMI also
won a record-breaking twenty-six other Rhythm and
Soul awards, including sixteen awards in the R&B/Hip-Hop
category and six awards in the Rap Songs category.
Pictured celebrating the milestone are ASCAP CEO
John LoFrumento, ASCAP Board member
and award winner Jimmy Jam, EMI
Music Publishing CEO Martin Bandier
and ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn
Bergman.

On June 17th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly
Hills, CA. awards were presented to the songwriters
and publishers of the top ASCAP songs of the 2001 R&B/Hip-Hop,
Rap, Dance and Reggae charts. The evening included live
performances by some of the most successful talents
in the world of "Rhythm & Soul" music including:
Ashanti, DJ Quik, Mary Mary, Chanté Moore and
Kenny Lattimore.

The Top Rap Song was "My Baby" written by Berry Gordy,
Jr., Alphonso Mizell and Freddie Perren.

Top Dance Song went to "All For You" written by Wayne
Garfield, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, Terry Lewis and
Mauro Malavasi. Bob Marley was named Top Reggae Artist.

A special highlight was the presentation by musical
giant Stevie Wonder, award-winning songwriter producer
Jimmy Jam and ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman
of the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award to the
legendary Earth, Wind & Fire in recognition of their
unique and influential artistry. The audience was also
treated to a musical tribute to EWF by Rachelle Farrell,
Mary Mary, Rahsaan Paterson, Phil Perry and surprise
performer Larry Dunn, of the original Earth, Wind &
Fire band, along with the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute
Band featuring musical director Michael Bearden. Additional
guests and honorees included Musiq, George Duke, The
Emotions, Tank, Angela Winbush, City High, Malcolm Jamal-Warner,
Tichina Arnold, Battlecat and Warryn Campbell.